beauty in the crushing

Have you ever been through a time of crushing? A time where you’ve felt extreme pain, pressure, or discomfort?

Maybe you’re in a season like this now and I promise you, you’re not alone! So many are feeling the same way you are. Hanging on to every glimpse of hope they see and they also feel defeated or broken at times. There’s good news though!

Your crushing is only for a season! It will pass and good will come from it!Everyone’s crushing looks a little different but they all have the same purpose…to prepare, develop, and grow us. Though we know seasons of crushing will come, many times we’re caught off guard or unprepared when they appear. These times hit us like a punch in the gut, leaving us begging God for answers and relief!

Times of crushing aren’t meant for our punishment, they’re meant for our development. Your crushing may look like tragedy and may be filled with great pain. It’s a process that’s part of God’s amazing plan for you. He’s a good Father who sees us as beautiful children with so much potential and he’s gently guiding us to our greatness…to our destiny. He knows we won’t reach our greatest potential until we’ve learned some lessons, experienced heartbreak, and have some wisdom of our own.

Too often we miss this beautiful opportunity for growth and find ourselves going through the same things over and over, not learning or growing the way God intended. Kind of like grapes being made in to wine. The crushing and pressing doesn’t stop until the end result is achieved.

Until we develop and grasp the very thing God intended us to grasp, the crushing can’t and won’t stop. Through these times, we are on the potters wheel and he is shaping and molding us in to who he created us to be.

Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

The outcome of our crushing lies within our response to the crushing. The progress and development we make is determined by our attitude and willingness to be changed. Your crushing can be a blessing if you allow it to be. Your crushing is meant for good.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

When your crushing comes, I encourage you to stop and ask God to help you learn and develop the way he wants you too. Ask him for wisdom and guidance. Ask him to make wine out of your crushing. Wine that will pour out on others. Wine that will show others His love. His mercy. His grace. Ask your Father in Heaven to strengthen you and mold you in to who He created you to be.Are you prepared for your crushing? Is your spirit strong? Is your faith built up? Is your mind made up? Are you ready for your time of growth?3 ways to prepare for your season of crushing:

1. Pray – Have a consistent prayer life and read your Bible.
2. Serve – Find ways to serve God, your church, and your community.
3. Stay – Stay grounded. Stay planted. Stay strong. Don’t stray. A mind that’s made up is hard to sway.

Friend, don’t give up now! Every trial has the potential to lead to victory and I believe your victory, your potential, your wine is almost ready! Stay focused on the one who holds your life in his hands. He’s making something beautiful.

Alexandrea